Scotland 2023

[Poncherello]

So far so good, weather is ropey but the first longer trip with the wife on the back and she’s still smiling at least
Quick stop at Sandbach to check she’s still dry and grab a coffee.

 

[Posh Pete]

Weather is likely to be better on the east coast than elsewhere. It's certainly been horrendous these last few days. Enjoy your trip.

Sent from me

 

[busy builder]

July weather has been mixed but mainly crap, seen lots of bikes from Spain, they must be fed up after a long ride just to camp in pouring rain.

 

[Poncherello]

Bacon and sausage bap at Tebay then one last push to Glasgow. Rain is bouncing and wind is blowing but the views are fantastic and make up for the crap weather.

 

[Poncherello]

an easier day today, staying local to the relatives before Aviemore tomorrow. Impressive bit of engineering and sculpture with the Kelpies, and of course, some ice cream..

 

[Posh Pete]

Don't be tempted to take the A9 via Perth. Lots of roadworks north of Perth. Cut across Highland Perthshire and join the A9 as far north as possible. You can take the old A9 too which parallels the new.

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[Poncherello]

Don't be tempted to take the A9 via Perth. Lots of roadworks north of Perth. Cut across Highland Perthshire and join the A9 as far north as possible. You can take the old A9 too which parallels the new.

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Thank you- I’ll go via Crieff- appreciated

 

[Lord Snooty]

Enjoy your trip Craig, we went to Scotland two years ago in July and the weather was exceptional. Stayed in Fort William and did 200 miles exploring every day.

 

[johnnyboy]

Thank you- I’ll go via Crieff- appreciated

Be aware that the road from Gilmorton to Aberfeldy/Pitlochry will have some sections closed due to a cycling race on the 4th. It might be worth going via Blairgowrie/Glenshee if you're not in a hurry (it's worth the detour)

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[Posh Pete]

Thank you- I’ll go via Crieff- appreciated

Be aware that the road from Gilmorton to Aberfeldy/Pitlochry will have some sections closed due to a cycling race on the 4th. It might be worth going via Blairgowrie/Glenshee if you're not in a hurry (it's worth the detour)

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Johnny's suggestion may seem a longish way around but it'll take you straight through some very fine scenery. There's a good lunch/coffee stop right next to the Aldi in Crieff by the way.

Possible route here. But check for road closures. https://www.traffic.gov.scot/travel-news

 

[Poncherello]

I’ve settled on a longer trip with some stops built in… First Loch Lomond, stop at Luss Pier; A82 onwards to Crianlarich; A85 past Loch Tay- stop and take a breather and some pics; drop onto the A9 and north to Pitlochry- stop for the fish ladder and some lunch; A9 to Aviemore and a detour to the top/ funicular if time allows; through Inverness to Muir of Ord and a bottle
of Malbec at the accommodation. 5 hours ride time, giving it 8 in total for fuel and food and pic stops.

 

[Poncherello]

 

[Poncherello]

Johnny's suggestion may seem a longish way around but it'll take you straight through some very fine scenery. There's a good lunch/coffee stop right next to the Aldi in Crieff by the way.

Possible route here. But check for road closures. https://www.traffic.gov.scot/travel-news

Trying to take in Loch Lomond on the way up rather than the way back means I e straightened til he run north but I like that route- if the Mrs is happy with the weather/ comfort/ views combo then I could squeeze that push east in too maybe

 

[Poncherello]

M8 out of Glasgow…. Across the Erskine Bridge and A82 to Loch Lomond… fabulous weather. Even though I’ve lived in England for 39 years… seeing the hills always makes me feel like I’m going home rather than visiting. The road up to Loch Lomond has given Mrs H a little hint of the magic that still lies ahead.

 

[Poncherello]

A827 into Dochart, should’ve brought the lilo

 

[Northern jock]

Enjoy, nice day today, Aviemore will be busy. Highland games on tomorrow in Newtonmore but you'll be long gone by then

 

[Poncherello]

got caught out in Aberfeldy with that cycle race that was mentioned in an earlier post… must try harder! Luckily the reciprocal route was a fab road and only 8/9 miles. So, on local advice, a blat across to the A9 and north to Aviemore. There are worse places to regroup and Mrs H is ready for a
Fanta.

 

[Poncherello]

just staying ahead of the weather at Loch Ness…. Fantastic roads still … one last brew before hotel..

 

[Poncherello]

Inverness to Torridon, just making our way around to Applecross. Mrs H needed a new helmet (eek) so a big shout to BRC Motorcycles in Muir of Ord, so helpful and opened a half hour early so we weren't held up. Mrs H also “needed” a new pair of gloves so there we go… The husband and wife who run it helped out with tweaking todays route and were spot on so far… if you’re up this way - look in- his shop is a treasure trove of old bikes.
Pic- Mrs H committed to getting close up of Heeland Coo at Torridon..

 

[Poncherello]

Applecross pass, nice and I can see why it’s popular… BUT…. The route the bike shop owner gave me this morning to actually get there….. was better. Views to die for, hardly any other vehicles. So good that me and Mrs H stopped three times to FaceTime family and let them share the views.
Applecross? Full of Europeans in camper vans trying their level best to stick me in the ditches having barrelled past one or two passing places (the ones they don’t park in to make a brew).
Glad I did it, “tick that one off” as they say - but won’t rush to do it again- the roads around it were better and I’ll have much fonder memories of floating through the twisties with awesome views.